Holiday winner tells of ‘magical experience

Ellie Marjoram-Keeble in Lapland, having won the competition run in the Observer

Published:12:06Thursday 24 December 2015

TEENAGER Ellie Marjoram-Keeble was given the holiday of a lifetime, after winning an exclusive competition, run in conjunction with the Chichester Observer.

The 14-year-old was nominated by neighbour Anne Newsome for her cheerful approach despite having cystic fibrosis, osteoporosis, diabetes and asthma.

The 'magical experience' included a reindeer safari and husky safari

Anne said: “She spends many months each year in hospital and has had a terrible year with infections and operations, and has spent a lot of time away from her home, family and school – including some periods over Christmas 2013 and 2014.

“She fights all this with a smile and you never hear her moan. She is a bright and friendly girl who has a heart of gold and will help anyone out despite all her health issues.”

Ellie, who was given a £5,000 holiday at Torassieppi Reindeer Farm said: “It truly was a magical experience and something that I will never forget. I really enjoyed the reindeer safari, husky safari, snowmobiling, hugging a husky and, of course, meeting Father Christmas in his cabin. There were so many activities to do in between and I made Christmas decorations and had pancakes on the camp fire while waiting to see the northern lights.”

Mum Claire said it had been a complete surprise to hear Ellie had won the competition, organised by NJS Group, based in Chichester.

“We had such an amazing time in Lapland and made such wonderful memories. We cannot say thank you enough to NJS for their kindness and generosity in running this competition. Also, I would like to thank my neighbour Anne for nominating Ellie.”

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